How can I easily back up a mass amount of files onto DVDs?

I have a bunch of stuff on an external HD, old computer files and pictures and all that kind of crap.. just tons of crap. Like a virtual closet.

I'd like to back them all up (let's say like 100GB) but instead of having to individually design each DVD with files etc, I'd like to say "Back up everything in this folder" and then just have it say "Ok done with disc 1, insert new dvd" "ok done with disc 2, insert new dvd"

kinda like itunes can do with your library

 

Do you have windows Vista? If you do, just use the backup and restore program that's integrated in Vista. Select, backup to DVD and it'll compress and take care of multi-disk issue.

 

The only problem is that your restore will require all your dvd's I think so if you lose just one you may have issues.

Id say its quick to just drag/drop some stuff into a data disk format on nero express. This way you can keep files separate and also organize them some.

Why put it all on DVD I must ask? I am personally trying to get more stuff off dvd and onto HDD lol, so thats why I plan to build a file server with data protection and then dump my huge dvd collection as it takes up too much space and its so annoying to search for stuff.

 

Exactly. HDD's are so dang cheap, and DVD's are too prone to scratches, getting lost, etc. For 100GB, you might as well buy a 250 or 320GB USB HDD and back it all up to that. I linked to the small 2.5" Western Digial Passports, but you can get a full size external pretty cheap. 1TB can be had for less than $100US. I personally would stick with a Seagate or Western Digital.

I just recently bought a hard drive dock so I can use my older spare hard drives to store my old archive stuff that I'll probably never touch again, but don't want to delete because I'm too scared I'll need something again.

But just for your reference, you can use Cobian backup, but you will have to store the backup locally, set it to split to DVD size, and then burn the compressed files that way.

I don't know of any freeware off hand that will do what you are suggesting, but I will see what I can find out.

I don't think Windows backup will allow you to backup specific files or folders, only certain file types.

 

RIght now, 1TB HDD cost around $85CAD or about $60USD.

 

Yea im using my laptop drive as a backup, works perfect, it spins slower but as I said its just a backup, so no worries.

 

Windows Home Server + 8 2TB HDDS and call it a day

Im waiting for 2TB drives to drop in price though and be a bit more reliable.

If I wait it out a couple of years SSD may become cheaper than HDD and have longer life, also capacity will probably be higher so you can toss say 2x 4TB SSD in a MATX Case instead of having the hulking full tower.

 

I'm using an HDD right now... I feel more secure with DVDs
Anything that doesn't use compression/1 lump sum file? Maybe something that just automates the process for me?

 

Do you currently have any cd/dvd burning software such as nero installed on your computer? Nero includes a backup tool which can span your files on multiple cd/dvds.

 

Yeah.. will it make it into like one lump file?